Newcastle United vs Southampton FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Newcastle United vs Southampton FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Southampton, making their return to the First Division League after a one-year sabbatical, will face a challenging first match as they travel to Newcastle to face the homeside, Newcastle United, on the first day of the 2024-25 season. 

Newcastle United had to contend with a 7th place finish in 2023–24 after an incredible end to their 2022–23 campaign that saw them finish 4th in the table and qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Conversely, Southampton, who finished fourth in the EFL Championship 2023–24, advanced to the Premier League through the playoffs after defeating Leeds United 1-0 in the championship match.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Newcastle United Preview

For a team that finished fourth in the league standings the preceding year, a seventh-place in the following season can be considered disappointing. Despite this, many consider it a respectable finish for the ‘Magpies’, given the number of injuries the club had to deal with. 

Regardless, the Magpies finished in a respectable seventh place by winning six of their last ten games with two draws and two losses. The season's highlight, however, was the club's record-breaking 85 goals, the most it has scored in a single season.

The season also marked the making of Alexander Isak as a potent striker, as he amassed 21 goals in the season, the third player after Cole Parmer (22) and Erling Haaland (27) to break the 20+ cap mark in the league. In the upcoming season, coach Eddie Howe will expect more or less the same from Isak as well as from Anthony Gordon ( 57 key passes, 11 goals, and 10 assists) upfront and Bruno Guimares ( 88 tackles) in the midfield. 

Meanwhile, to bolster the defence, the management has brought in Lloyd Kelly—a versatile player who can play as a centre back and a left-back—from Bournemouth. Furthermore, the club has signed William Osula from Sheffield United as a backup for Isak and handed over a permanent contract for Lewis Hall for a successful season where he played on loan. 

As far as tactics are concerned, Eddie Howe prefers a 4-3-3 formation, with Anthony Gordon on the left flank and Alexander Isak at the forefront of the attack. 

Newcastle United Starting Lineup - Pope (Goalkeeper); Livramento, Schär, Burn, Hall (Defenders) ; Longstaff, Guimarães, Joelinton (Midfielders); Murphy, Isak, Barnes (Forwards) 

Southampton FC Preview

After finishing last in the 2022-23 Premier League, Southampton were relegated to the Championship. Remarkably, they secured promotion back to the top flight within a year, largely thanks to the managerial acumen of Russell Martin, appointed in June 2023. The immediate challenge is to ensure Southampton’s survival in the Premier League.

A fervent admirer of Guardiola's Barcelona, Martin has sought to instill a similar possession-based, patient style of play at Southampton. This approach yielded impressive results in the Championship, with the Saints averaging 65.5% possession, marginally exceeding Guardiola’s Manchester City (65.2%). 

Their attacking output was prolific, scoring 87 goals, but defensive vulnerabilities were exposed, conceding 63 goals – the most among the top five teams. Consequently, strengthening the backline became a priority during the summer transfer window.

Recognizing the need for defensive reinforcements, Southampton acquired two centre-backs and three full-backs. Given the team's reliance on wide play to create chances, right-back Yukinari Sugawara, signed from AZ Alkmaar, is expected to be crucial. In his final season in the Netherlands, Sugawara led the team in chances created (53) and crosses, contributing seven assists.

To improve defensive solidity, the existing backline must enhance its tackling ability. Defensive midfielder Fynn Downes and versatile left-back Kyle Walker-Peters are pivotal to this effort. While Martin primarily employs a 4-3-3 or 4-3-2-1 formation, he has shown a recent inclination towards a 3-5-2 system. Adam Armstrong, the team's leading scorer with 24 goals and 13 assists last season, is expected to spearhead the attack.

Southampton  Starting Lineup - McCarthy (Goalkeeper); Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens, Walker-Peters (Defenders) ; Downes, Smallbone, Aribo (Midfielders); Brereton Díaz, Armstrong (Forwards) 

NEWCASTLE UNITED vs SOUTHAMPTON FC
Winning Prediction

Newcastle United and Southampton have faced off 44 times in the Premier League, with Newcastle claiming 19 victories compared to Southampton’s 16. Newcastle has dominated recent encounters, remaining undefeated in the last five matches with four wins and a draw. 

In the lead-up to the season, Newcastle United enjoyed a successful preseason, winning four out of five friendlies, while Southampton secured two wins and a loss. Based on form and statistics, Newcastle United are clear favorites. However, Russell Martin’s Southampton cannot be discounted. If they can address their defensive vulnerabilities, they possess the potential to cause an upset. 

Newcastle United FC to Win (3-1)

1xBet

330% up to ₹65,000 on your 1st Deposit with Reg Code: TOPBK

BET NOW